SUPER DTP postgraduate researchers (PGRs) are encouraged to undertake an internship during the course of their studies to support their personal and career development.
Internships undertaken as part of the SUPER DTP are intended to generate mutual benefit between students and host organisations and to enhance the quality or impact of research.
The SUPER internships guidance document outlines more information for PGRs and host organisations about internship benefits, suggested timings, logistics, and how to find or set up internships.
Another useful resource is a guide to gaining work experience outside academia from Vitae, The researcher on placement.
Experiences
SUPER PGRs share their experiences of undertaking an internship:
- Sophie Smith: JNCC (UKRI Policy Internships Scheme), 2025.
- Victoria Gillman: Fisheries and Oceans Canada, 2023.
- Callum Hamilton: Rastech, 2023.
- Sophie Smith: Deutsches Meeremuseum Stralsund, 2023.
- Charlotte Lee: MiAlgae, 2023.
- Izzy Langley: SMRU Consulting, 2023.
- Jack Sheehy: JNCC (UKRI Policy Internships Scheme), 2021.
- Lydia McGill: NatureScot, 2020.
Current Opportunities
Below are internship opportunities or short fixed-term vacancies that the SUPER team have found. If they do not suit, you can source your own opportunities by defining what you are looking for and making approaches to relevant organisations. The list of SUPER DTP associate partners is a useful reference for possible organisations to contact.
Those with Deadlines
Findhorn, Nairn and Lossie Rivers Trust Catchment Restoration Assistant
Operating across the three catchments, the role will make a vital contribution towards FNLRT’s vision for restored and healthy watersheds. This is a part-time, fixed term position for 28 hours a week over 7 months, until March, paid at £24,000 per annum pro rata, flexible hybrid arrangement with travel in catchment. The deadline for applications is Thursday 14 August.
WWF International Ocean Policy Officer
The Ocean Policy Officer supports the policy efforts of the EPO ocean team and our conservation advocacy towards EU decision-making institutions. The Ocean Policy Officer supports the head of unit, policy and communications officers in their political strategy development, establishing and strengthening political relationships and planning, and conducting advocacy actions. This is a full time, fixed term position until June, paid at 38,400€ (~£33,304) per annum pro rata, based in Brussels, Belgium. The deadline for applications is 11.59 pm Friday 15 August.
Buglife Conservation Officer – Pollinator B-Lines
This Scottish Power Energy Network (SPEN)-funded project involves restoring at least five sites in Fife, West Lothian, West Dunbartonshire, and North Lanarkshire. You’ll plan and deliver habitat improvements to include species-rich grasslands and insect banks, tailored to each location. Your role covers project management from overseeing works and contractors, coordinating volunteers, managing budgets, to engaging local communities through outreach. You’ll maintain strong partnerships with SPEN and others, create site specific management plans, and identify future collaboration opportunities. This varied position combines hands on restoration, community engagement, partnership building, financial management, and teamwork to create real impact for pollinators. This is a part-time, fixed term position for 18.75 hours a week over 1 year, paid at £31,093.75 per annum pro rata, home-based in the central belt. The deadline for applications is Monday 25 August.
UKRI Policy Internships Scheme
The scheme provides the opportunity for doctoral students funded by UKRI Research Councils to undertake a placement with a highly influential policy organisation, including Defra, JNCC, POST, and the Royal Society of Biology. The intention of the scheme is to embed you in an environment where you can engage with the process of converting research outputs into policy. The internship will equip you with transferable skills and training relevant to your chosen future career path. This is a 3 month placement in the 2026 calendar year. Your stipend will continue to be paid to you and most host partners cover travel costs (and accommodation if you have to relocate, remote/hybrid working possible) arising from the internship up to £3,426. You also have £1,600 available to support you through your TSG. The deadline for applications is 4.00 pm Monday 8 September. Allow plenty of time to apply.
Open Recruitment
Level E Research Internships
Level E was established in 2018 to use artificial intelligence to deliver better outcomes for end investors. They are based in Edinburgh. PhD internships are available throughout the year for machine learning research. These typically last 3-6 months, and can potentially lead to a full time position.
The Technology Partnership Industry Internships
TTP is an independent technology company where scientists, engineers, and designers collaborate to invent and develop new products and technologies. Your internship will see you putting your technical and research skills to work within a commercially focused environment; providing the opportunity to experience how your academic knowledge and skillsets could be utilised within an industry setting. Flexible length of programme, usually between 3 to 6 months. Internships are paid.
People’s Trust for Endangered Species Student Internship
The PTES Wildlife Conservation Internship Programme began in 2001. Since then over 90 young people have benefited, working on practical projects helping hedgehogs, water voles, pine martens, bats, adders, bottlenose dolphins, numerous butterflies and a host of other species. Internships range from full time for 6 months, up to 18 months part-time. A grant of up to £5,000 is available to support living costs whilst the work is undertaken.
The United Nations Internship Programme
The UN offers internships across multiple departments in locations worldwide. Internships last for at least two and can be as long as six months and are unpaid, but some support is available through your TSG. Apply for open positions, or specifically for the UN Environment Programme.
Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development Policy Internships
Successful interns will provide support to OECD Policy Analysts in one of many areas, including climate, energy, and science and technology. Typical tasks include:
- participating in the preparation of studies and documents, carrying out research and reviews of existing materials;
- collecting, organising, and analysing data;
- contributing to the production of documents, working papers and publications resulting from the above activities, including drafting notes and preparing technical annexes, and;
- liaising and building networks with officials in national administrations, researchers, other international organisations and member country Delegations.
The majority of internships are based in Paris, France and are full time for 1 to 6 months. Interns receive a contribution to living expenses of ~700€/mnth.
STEM Ambassador Programme
The STEM Ambassador programme through STEM Learning is flexible, allowing you to volunteer in a way that suits you, it could be online or in person, in schools or in community groups, by supporting lessons or extra-curricular activities and working with young people or their educators. STEM Ambassadors make an impact by:
- Supporting learning – help young people to understand the real world applications of their learning.
- Illuminating careers – showcase different careers, providing information on roles and pathways into industry while raising awareness of the skills that are important in the workplace.
- Raising aspirations – give young people the opportunity to meet a wide range of inspiring role models, encouraging them as they think about their future.